elgin
T
he City of Elgin has been on a roll since it was founded in 1836. Attracting city dwellers and suburbanites, the bustling city 35 miles northwest of Chicago is home to over 100,000 people. It is one of the largest and fastest-growing cities in the state. Elgin is home to the Elgin Academy, one of the oldest co-ed non-sectarian college preparatory schools, which boasts alums including five Navy admirals, a Nobel Prize winner, Pulitzer Prize winner, Olympic athletes and General Motors’ CEO.
Arlington Heights
A picturesque 1920s millworks building houses the State Street Market with 35 shops selling antiques, gifts, dĂŠcor and handmade items. Many other historic buildings have been transformed into clubs and eateries. Elgin has plenty of arts and entertainment to offer including the Elgin Symphony Orchestra. Elgin also is home to The Elgin Public Museum, the oldest museum in Illinois. Downtown Elgin has undergone significant renovations with new development including townhouses, condominiums and lofts. Housing is diverse from historic districts to neighborhoods with singlefamily homes and townhomes. The city has more than 75 parks and 10 recreation facilities, with more than 1,600 acres of parks and 4,000 acres of Kane and Cook County forest preserves. Residents enjoy canoeing, fishing and equestrian trails as well as access to the Fox River Trail and Illinois Prairie Path. There are 36 miles of trails for hikers and bikers to enjoy. Elgin has three Metra stations along the Milwaukee District West Line, providing daily service to Chicago.
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